Mikael Granlund has re-signed with the Minnesota Wild. He has agreed to a three-year deal worth $17.25 million, with an AAV of $5.75 million. His new deal with keep him with the Wild until 2019-20. It gives the Finland native a raise of $2.75 million per season.
Mikael Granlund Re-Signs
Granlund is coming off a career year for the Wild. He posted a team high 69 points in 81 games. He also ranked second on the team in goals with 26. The 25-year-old played the second most minutes of any Wild forward.
The Wild knew what they were getting when they selected him ninth overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Before coming over to North America, Granlund played for HIFX Helsinki. In 2011-2012, Granlund lead the squad in scoring as a 19 year old. He racked up 51 points in 45 games. That season he also Captained Finland at the World Junior Hockey Championships. He recorded 13 points in seven games and was named a tournament All-Star.
Career
Granlund came to North America in 2012-2013. He split time between the AHL and NHL for most of the season. With the Houston Areos in the AHL, Granlund dominated. He tallied 28 points in just 29 games. During the same season, Granlund appeared in 27 games for Minnesota. He managed only eight points with the big club.
The Finnish phenom made the state of hockey his permanent home in 2013. During his first full season in the NHL, Granlund recorded 41 points in just 63 games. Over the next two season, Granlund showed more of the same. He put up point totals of 39 and 44 before his break out year in 2016-2017.
The Wild will expect more of the same from Granlund next season. Minnesota is coming off a franchise best 106 point regular-season. However, they once again experienced playoff disappointment, losing to the St.Louis Blues in Round One. Granlund recorded just two assists in five playoff games. The Finnish star will be counted on more as the Wild look to get past the second round for the first time since 2003.
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